Heritage Crossroads | Culture RC Passage

When ancient monuments need repairs, who decides how “authentic” the restoration should be? These medium-difficulty passages explore the contentious renovation of Notre-Dame Cathedral, challenging readers to navigate competing perspectives on heritage preservation versus modernization.

Read these medium difficulty passage(s) and answer the question(s) that follows. You can choose the GMAT style Reading Passage and the question or the GRE RC variant and answer the GRE-style question. Even better, you could solve both.

GMAT Passage (Medium difficulty, 200-250 words)

The controversial renovation plan for Notre-Dame Cathedral, approved by France’s National Heritage and Architecture Commission in 2021, has ignited a passionate debate regarding cultural preservation versus modernization. Following the devastating 2019 fire that destroyed much of the cathedral’s roof, the Diocese of Paris proposed interior modifications intended to create a more welcoming atmosphere for millions of annual visitors. Proponents claim these changes—including softer mood lighting, multilingual Bible projections on walls, and reopening the grand central entrance—will enhance visitor experiences without compromising the structure’s historical significance.

Critics, however, vehemently oppose these alterations, viewing them as a threat to the cathedral’s cultural integrity. Didier Rykner, editor of La Tribune de l’Art, argues that the church’s ancient history demands respect that contemporary society cannot simply disregard. This sentiment resonates with over 100 academics and public figures who signed an open letter published in Le Figaro, asserting that the proposed changes fundamentally alter the original decor and liturgical space. Paris-based architect Maurice Culot further denounced the renovations as transforming the cathedral into a commercialized attraction lacking authenticity. The controversy reveals a fundamental tension between preserving authentic historical character and adapting historical monuments to contemporary expectations—a conflict that transcends this particular case and reflects broader questions about cultural stewardship in an increasingly modernized world.

GMAT RC Question Type: Role of Sentence | Question Difficulty: Medium

The author mentions the “liturgical space” of the cathedral primarily to:

1. Emphasize the part of the cathedral critics argue would be fundamentally altered by the proposed renovations
2. Suggest a liturgical tradition that the proposed changes aim to modernize for accessibility
3. Support the view that preserving religious decor is less important than enhancing visitor engagement
4. Highlight a dimension of the cathedral that has symbolic importance for both
5. Explain why religious architecture requires unique restoration guidelines compared to secular buildings

Medium Difficulty GRE Passage | ~160 words

The 2021 approval of Notre-Dame Cathedral’s renovation plan by France’s National Heritage Commission ignited vigorous debate in heritage preservation circles. Following the 2019 conflagration that damaged the iconic Parisian landmark’s roof, the Diocese of Paris proposed modernizing elements of the cathedral’s interior, including ambient lighting systems and multimedia displays featuring scriptural text projections in multiple languages. Advocates maintain these modifications will enhance accessibility and appeal for the multitude who visit annually. Conversely, heritage conservationists express trepidation about potential threats to the edifice’s historical authenticity. Over one hundred academics endorsed an open letter in Le Figaro opposing alterations they believe compromise the cathedral’s original aesthetic and functional design. Cultural critics like Didier Rykner of La Tribune de l’Art emphasize the imperative of respecting the structure’s historical context, while architects including Maurice Culot caution that excessive modernization risks diminishing authentic cultural experiences. This tension between innovation and preservation exemplifies the dilemma facing stewards of historical monuments worldwide when balancing contemporary needs with historical integrity.

GRE RC Question Type: Inference | Question Difficulty: Medium-High

Based on the passage, which of the following can most reasonably be inferred about the renovation of historical monuments?

1. The Notre-Dame renovation has been universally criticized by architectural experts
2. Historical monuments should never incorporate modern technological elements
3. Decisions about modernizing historical structures typically involve competing valid concerns
4. The Diocese of Paris is prioritizing tourism revenue over historical preservation
5. France’s National Heritage Commission typically favors modernization over preservation